The Companion Magazine Logo
Pet care

Heatstroke

Picture of By Nationwide
By Nationwide

Meteorologists predict that the summer of 2021 will be hotter than usual for much of the U.S. Even a moderately warm summer day can spell trouble for our pets, so protection will be extra important with the hottest months of summer on the way.

What is heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when a person or pet’s body can no longer regulate its internal temperature.

This condition can quickly lead to serious complications, including neurological problems, kidney failure and even death.

Warning signs of heatstroke

  • Raspy panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Collapse
  • Seizures

Once pets begin to overheat, heatstroke progresses fast. if you notice any of these signs in pets, to seek immediate veterinary assistance.

High risk factors

Dogs and cats rely on panting, grooming and external cooling (such as cold water or surfaces) to regulate their internal body temperature. This makes overheating dangerously easy.

Some pets are more at risk that others due to their overall health or physical features. These factors put some pets in even more danger than others:

  • Shorter snout: Pets with short snouts have tighter, more complex airways, and often need to work harder to get sufficient oxygen
  • Obesity: Overweight pets often experience restricted breathing and generally have more body to keep cool
  • Heart or lung disease: Temperature can aggravate existing disease conditions as the body puts work into staying cool
  • Age: Senior pets and very young pets are more sensitive to heat
  • Size: Larger pets typically overheat faster than smaller ones
Cooling down hot pets

If you’re concerned about the heat, here are some smart ways to cool down your pet:

  • Turn on a fan or AC to create a cool breeze
  • Give them fresh, cold water with ice cubes
  • Spray them with water or provide a shallow wading pool
  • Apply a wet towel, ice pack or frozen water bottle to their neck
  • Give them frozen toys and treats
Keep pets safe by avoiding the heat

Of course, the best way to prevent heatstroke is to stay out of the heat.

  • Save walks and exercise for cooler early mornings or evenings
  • Limit playtime during the hot hours of the day
  • Ensure pets have access to fresh water at all times
  • Keep crates and cages out of direct sunlight
  • Never leave pets in unventilated areas like cars or garages

VetHelpline

Nationwide® pet insurance members have 24/7 telehealth access to connect with veterinary professionals for pet health advice. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play—it’s included with every Nationwide pet insurance policy! Get advice
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Summer 2021

Check out some of our other posts!

Pets and the workplace

Pets are changing the workplace—and how the pet parents working there feel about it. The ...

Transform mealtime with Enjoy-A-Bowl

Mealtime can be a struggle for many pet owners, especially when their companions are ...

A big-hearted greyhound gets extraordinary care

Visits to the veterinarian—whether planned or unplanned—are a part of caring for any ...

Bee-ware of summer stings

Summer is the season of warm weather and sunshine—and, thanks to an abundance of insects, ...